WK 28 - Using Pinus contorta As a Global Natural Experiment for Invasion Ecology and Management

Monday, August 6, 2012: 8:00 PM-10:00 PM
B116, Oregon Convention Center
Organizer:
Aníbal Pauchard, Universidad de Concepción, Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB)
Co-organizers:
Bruce D. Maxwell, Montana State University; and Martin A. Nuñez, INIBIOMA-Universidad del Comahue, CONICET
Conifer invasions have been extensively studied because of their impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services, and because they represent a model group to study species invasibility. Pinus contorta is considered one of the most invasive conifers, especially in temperate, harsh environments. This workshop aims to exchange experiences and coordinate efforts to study Pinus contorta using a global research network. Pinus contorta, native of the Rockies in North America, invades open environments in several countries, including New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, Australia and Sweden. The species may change ecosystem functions by increasing tree cover and wild fires. Pinus contorta can have multiple biotic interactions with native and non-native species such as association with mycorrhiza, facilitation by cushion plants, herbivory by local mammals, dispersal by small mammals and birds and competition with resident vegetation. The species also poses a complex scenario for managers because it can spread quickly over long distances. In addition, the social perception of this invasion varies from positive to negative depending on local communities. We propose a global network of scientists and managers to study the ecology, the conservation implications and the management of this widely distributed invasive species. A global comparison between invasive ranges and its native range may be particularly powerful to shed light on the ecology and the implications of this invasion. We invite people to join a session of discussion about this network and to share ideas on how to advance our understanding of this species with common study protocols at a global scale.

Registration Fee: $0

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